Less-than-perfect credit does not automatically rule out a mortgage. Some programs accept lower scores or past credit events, and there are practical steps that can raise a score before you apply.
Programs that may work now
- FHA loans accept a wider range of scores than conventional loans and have set waiting periods after a bankruptcy or foreclosure rather than a permanent bar.
- VA loans, for eligible borrowers, use a residual-income test rather than a hard score cutoff.
- Non-QM programs can consider recent credit events with a larger down payment and a higher rate.
Steps that can improve your score
- Pull your reports free at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute errors; they are more common than people think.
- Pay revolving balances down, ideally below 30% of each card's limit, before the statement date.
- Do not open or close accounts in the months before you apply.
- Bring any past-due accounts current. Recent late payments weigh far more than old ones.
How we help
We look at your actual report with you, tell you which programs you qualify for today, and, if waiting a few months would clearly get you a better loan, we say so. A quote does not require a hard credit pull. Approval always depends on the lender's review of your full file.